Nifty Over-the-Counter Dental Products We Love
Do you ever wonder what our cosmetic dentists buy in stores or online for their own oral hygiene? There are so many dental products available over-the-counter that it is hard to know which ones 4 out of 5 dentists really prefer.
This blog includes a short list of some of our favorite products that we, as dental professionals, regularly use and why.
CocoFloss®
CocoFloss® is a relatively new product designed by two sisters. One sister is a dentist, who thinks flossing is super important. The other sister is an artist, who wasn’t quite as convinced. They teamed up to make a new kind of floss that is fun and effective.
CocoFloss® is made with polyester fibers that clean the tooth surface, vegan wax to help the floss glide between your teeth, and coconut oil to soothe your gums. It leaves you with a wonderfully clean smile, and it actually tastes good! Using fruity flavors increases the fun factor.
You can buy CocoFloss® directly from its website.
Crest® Sensi-Stop™ Strips
Do you have sensitive teeth? Does ice cream make you cringe? Do you prefer room temperature water? Then Crest® Sensi-Stop™ Strips are for you!
Crest® Sensi-Stop™ Strips are an innovative treatment for tooth sensitivity. Using the same strip method as their WhiteStrips, these strips deliver a powerful anti-sensitivity remedy directly to the sensitive spot. Crest® Sensi-Stop™ Strips use a new ingredient called oxalate to block the tiny pores on the tooth surface, which allow cold temperatures to reach the nerve inside the tooth.
They are simple to apply and provide relief from sensitivity for over a month. One strip will cover three teeth, so even if you’re not sure exactly which tooth is the culprit, you can treat several and find some relief.
Crest® Sensi-Stop™ Strips are available over-the-counter at Walmart and all major drugstore chains.
Crest WhiteStrips™
Crest WhiteStrips™ are an inexpensive way to “try before you buy” professional teeth whitening products. They contain the same active ingredient as most teeth whiteners you can buy at your dentist’s office. Because you can buy these at your local drugstore, you don’t need any dental appointments. If you notice a slight brightening effect with Crest WhiteStrips™ but want more whitening results, then you can switch to professional teeth whitening products.
You need to use a little caution with Crest WhiteStrips™ because they can lead to tooth sensitivity if used incorrectly. In addition, the strips tend to slip and slide all over your mouth, which can be annoying.
They are simply a great way to try out whitening before you invest a little more in the professional products at Designer Smiles.
Ice Cubes Gum
This is a big one, guys. And there is a little science behind it.
Ice Cubes brand gum contains 2 grams of xylitol per piece as a sweetener. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol derived from plants (all-natural!). Research has shown that the cavity- and gum-disease-causing bacteria in our mouths will eat xylitol thinking it is sugar. But they cannot digest xylitol, and they die. Xylitol kills bad bacteria in your mouth!
The flavor in the gum and the chewing action stimulates your mouth to produce more saliva. Saliva is the body’s natural defense against cavities and gum disease, so there is even more protection than just killing bacteria.
Ice Cubes gum comes in many different flavors and is available at most grocery and convenience stores. Chew a piece of Ice Cubes gum after any meal when you cannot brush your teeth!
GUM Soft Picks®
Wooden toothpicks are not good for you.
Repeat.
Wooden toothpicks are not good for you.
We have removed countless splinters from patients’ gums due to the use of wooden toothpicks. Avoid wooden toothpicks at all costs.
While we firmly believe that nothing replaces good ol’ flossing, some people have larger spaces between the teeth that annoyingly collect food. GUM Soft Picks® are the only “pick” we can get behind.
GUM Soft Picks® use a soft, rubbery tip to clean food debris and plaque from between the teeth. They will not cut or hurt your gums, and they will not break or splinter like wooden toothpicks.
If you have problems with food impaction, give GUM Soft Picks® a try. You can buy them over the counter at many drugstores or online at Amazon.
Peroxyl®
Do you have canker sores or frequent mouth ulcers? Peroxyl® is an over-the-counter mouth rinse made by Colgate specifically for mouth sores.
It contains hydrogen peroxide to cleanse the wound and promote healing. It also reduces some of the pain and swelling from severe ulcers.
There are two different versions, and we prefer the alcohol-free one. If you are prone to ulcers, this is something you should keep on hand. You can find it at most grocery and drug stores. Look for the blue bottle!
BreathRx Tongue Cleaner
One of the most common causes of bad breath is bacteria buildup in the mouth. Bacteria collects on the gums, between the teeth, and on the tongue. The tongue is bumpy, covered in tiny projections called papillae. The grooves between papillae are perfect hiding places for bacteria.
Now tongues are sensitive, which tons of nerve endings providing the sensations of taste and feel. Many people use he word “scraper”, which does not really describe the type of gentle cleaning the tongue needs.
That is why we love the BreathRx Tongue Cleaner. It is made of flexible, rubbery soft material, and it gently removes bacteria from the bumpy tongue surface. The BreathRx cleaner has two different sides, one for regular cleaning, and a softer side for extra sensitive tongues.
The BreathRx Tongue Cleaner is made by Phillips, the maker of the Sonicare™ toothbrush, which we also love!
What Other OTC Dental Products are You Curious About?
Call today to set up a consultation with Dr. Ann, Dr. Lauren, or one of our amazing dental hygienists. They can answer all of your questions about oral care products and help you choose which ones are right for you.